9-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Missouri Sinkhole: Homicide Investigation

A nine-year-old girl, Rowan Ford, was found deceased Friday after being missing for one week. Her body was discovered on private land approximately ten miles south of Stella, Missouri, a village with a population of around 200 people.

Discovery and Investigation

The Search and Recovery

The body was found by a McDonald County deputy who was searching the area on his way to work, recalling the presence of a cavern. Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland stated that authorities are still working to determine the cause of death, but confirmed, “We know we have a homicide.”

Family Notification

The girl’s mother, Colleen Spears, was informed of the discovery Friday morning. Stella Mayor Bill Alsop, who spoke with the mother, reported she was deeply distressed. According to Alsop, authorities were “99 percent sure” the body was Rowan’s.

Timeline of Events

Rowan Ford was reported missing on November 3rd, after her mother returned home early from a shift at Wal-Mart. Her stepfather, David Spears, told investigators he was with Rowan and two friends until approximately 10:45 p.m. The night before she disappeared.

Did You Know? Rowan Ford was reported missing after her mother returned home early from a night shift at Wal-Mart.

Spears stated he returned home around midnight but did not check on Rowan. He later borrowed his mother’s vehicle after 1 a.m., and she accompanied him back to his house while he was away for approximately five and a half hours. He has been unable to explain his whereabouts during that time.

Current Status of Stepfather

David Spears has not been accused of any crime, but authorities are continuing to investigate. He has acknowledged it was a mistake to leave Rowan unattended. He is currently staying with his parents.

Expert Insight: The lack of immediate explanation for a significant time gap in the stepfather’s account is a common element in early stages of homicide investigations, as authorities seek to establish a clear timeline and corroborate statements with evidence.

What May Happen Next

The investigation is likely to focus on establishing a definitive cause of death and gathering forensic evidence from the sinkhole where Rowan’s body was found. Authorities may conduct further interviews with David Spears, his friends, and other individuals who may have information about Rowan’s disappearance. A possible next step could involve a more extensive search of the surrounding area for any clues related to the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Rowan Ford first reported missing?

Rowan Ford was reported missing on November 3rd, after her mother returned home early from a night shift at Wal-Mart.

Where was Rowan Ford’s body discovered?

Rowan Ford’s body was found on private land about 10 miles south of Stella, Missouri.

Has anyone been charged in connection with Rowan Ford’s death?

As of Friday, no one has been accused of a crime in connection with Rowan Ford’s death, but authorities have confirmed they are investigating a homicide.

What role might the cavern discovered near the body play in understanding the events leading to Rowan Ford’s death?